African violet plant named Nicole

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Nicole characterized by its single intensive purplish red flowers; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; medium green, oval to round leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous and compact growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting, and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant, botanically known as Saintpaulia ionantha, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name Nicole.

The new cultivar was referred to during the breeding and selection process by the designation I 13/23 and is a product of a planned breeding program. The new cultivar was originated from a cross made by me in the controlled breeding program in Haffen, Federal Republic of Germany. The female, or seed parent was a cultivar designated B 266/1. The male, or pollen parent was a cultivar designated 4158.

Nicole was discovered and selected by me as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Haffen, West Germany. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by leaf cuttings, as performed by me at Haffen, West Germany, has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar was firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Nicole has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. The following observations, measurements and values describe the new cultivar as grown in Haffen, West Germany and Nashville, Tenn. under greenhouse conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of Nicole, which in combination distinguish this African violet as a new and distinct cultivar:

(1) Strong, upright flower stems curving slightly toward the center.

(2) Single intensive purplish-red flowers.

(3) Profuse flowering.

(4) Each plant carries 8-10 and more upright flower stems each of which carries 8-11 and more flowers.

(5) Long lasting, non-dropping flowers.

(6) Vigorous and compact grower.

(7) Plant saleable 10 to 11 weeks after potting.

(8) Seed capsules push slightly through.

(9) Medium green, oval to round leaves.

(10) After maturity the flowers dry off, and remain on the peduncle without becoming infected by botrytis.

The accompanying color photographic drawing shows a typical specimen plant of the new cultivar. The colors appearing in the photograph are as true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.), except where general colors of ordinary significance are referred to. Color values were taken under natural sunlight conditions at approximately 1 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn.

Botanical classification: Saintpaulia ionantha, Ramat., c.v. Nicole.

Parentage:

Male parent.--4158.

Female parent.--B. 266/1.

Propagation: The new cultivar holds its distinguishing characteristics through successive propagations by leaf cuttings.

Plant: From 9 cm to 12 cm tall when grown in pots, and approximately 24-28 cm in diameter when fully grown.

Leaves.--General form: Oval to round. Diameter: 60-65 mm wide and 60-70 mm long. Texture: Velvety. Aspect: Shiny, hairy. Veins: Upperside: visible; underside: well pronounced, light green, shiny. Color (upperside): Yellow-green Group 147 A. Color (underside): Greyed-green Group 194 B with touches of Greyed-Purple Group 186 B. Petiole: Strong upright, purplish green, hairy.

Flowers.--Buds: Bell-shaped, 5-7 mm just before opening. Sepals: Five (5). Color: Green with brownish touch. Calyx: Shape: Funnel-shaped. Aspect: Spear-shaped, hairy. Peduncle: Character: Strong upright, hairy. Color: Purplish green. Individual flowers: Size: 35-40 mm. Shape: Single violet-shaped. Color (upperside): Red-purple 71 A. Under cooler temperatures and more intensive lighting, the red tends to intensify. Color (underside): Red-purple 72 A to B. Borne: Each flower stem carries 8-11 and more flowers on strong, upright peduncle that are free standing above the leaves, thereby forming a compact bouquet. Flowering habit: Flowers 10-11 weeks after potting.

Reproductive organs.--Stamens: Two (2). Anthers: 2 composed of 4 anther cells, seed capsules push slightly through. Filaments: Yellowish green, 3-4 mm long. Pollen Color: Yellow Group 7 A. Styles: 6 mm long, purplish red, base of ovary light green and hairy.

Roots.--Normally developed, white when young, turning slightly brownish when older.

Disease resistance: Good.

General Observations: Nicole has an extremely attractive appearance due to its single, intensive purplish-red flowers contrasting nicely with the bright yellow anthers. A tight bouquet of flowers free standing above the leaves develops after approximately 10-11 weeks. Each of the 8-10 and more strong flower stems carries 8-11 and more flowers which are long-lasting and non-dropping. Occasionally, 1-2 additional very small petals may develop in the center. The medium green, oval to round leaves give the plant a fresh look. The seed capsules push slightly through. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Nicole, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its single intensive purplish-red flowers; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; medium green, oval to round leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous and compact growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers. 